Small town flair, idyllic gardens and bright colors: it is not without reason that Gartenstadt Falkenberg in Bohnsdorf is also known as the “Tuschkastensiedlung” (paint-box estate). As one of six similar Berlin housing estates, it was conceived at the beginning of the 20th century by architect Bruno Taut to provide people with affordable living space in green surroundings. The houses are compactly built on an area of 60 square metres, including garden. Despite this color-by-numbers policy, no two houses are the same, because the streets bloom with numerous different plants and flowers, while the color palette of the houses themselves ranges from sunny yellow and pastel pink to azure blue. During the hour-long architectural tour with Ticket B, I discovered not only Berlin’s city history, but how historical planning concepts can be instructive today. That’s precisely the idea behind Ticket B, and they offer many more tours too: whether modern designs, classic guided tours through the government district, or Bauhaus trips away. It’s a chance to learn not just about bricks and mortar, but how cities function and change. (Text: Hanna Komornitzyk / Photos: Hanna Komornitzyk, Strelka Insitut of Media and Design, Ticket B)

Ticket B architecture tours are given in German, English, French, Spanish and Italian and can be booked online
@ticket.b.berlin

We all want to keep up our fitness regime throughout the warmer months, but going to classes can mean consigning yourself to a dimly-lit Hinterhof studio while the sun shines outside. The solution is simple: go alfresco. Every Sunday morning, amongst the wildflowers and shrubs of the leafiest patch of Tempelhofer Feld, instructor Stella brings both beginners and experts together for a delightful, revitalizing open-air pilates class. No previous experience is required: simply turn up at 10h with a mat or towel and get ready to stretch and strengthen with just the earth below you and the sky above. Describing her style as yogilates, Stella uses her classes to build deep muscle tissues for improved posture and vitality, and closes each session with meditation to bring emotional benefits too. Whether you are a bendy yogi or a gym bunny, the classes are the perfect weekend exercise, leaving you contented and ready to take on big city life again. (Text: Benji Haughton / Photos: Sophia Hummler & Andreas Bohlender)

Pilates on Tempelhofer Feld, access via Columbiadamm 124, 10965 Berlin–Tempelhof; map
Sundays at 10h. Donations welcome.